Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Auchentoshan 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 14568) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£599
Auchentoshan 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 14568) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Auchentoshan
£449
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Auchentoshan 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 14568) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Auchentoshan |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 56.2% |
| Age | 21 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £599 | £448.8 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Auchentoshan 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 14568) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Auchentoshan 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 14568) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Auchentoshan 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 14568) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £449 vs £599.
For beginners: Auchentoshan 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 14568) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£599 vs £448.8)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Auchentoshan 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 14568) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£448.8 vs £599)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.2%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Auchentoshan?
Auchentoshan 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 14568) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Auchentoshan 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 14568) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Where to buy
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Auchentoshan 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 14568) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange